FL H0489

Defines "dredge or mechanical harvesting device" and "shellfish" (oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops) and authorizes harvesting of shellfish from sovereign submerged land leases under chapter 253.

Permits the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to authorize use of one dredge or mechanical harvesting device per lease as a special condition if the use does not adversely impact public health, safety, or welfare and aquaculture best management practices are adopted.

Prohibits use of authorized dredges or mechanical harvesting devices for taking shellfish from public beds and possession of such devices on state waters between 5 p.m. and sunrise; violations result in revocation of all leases held by violator and denial of future sovereign submerged land use.

Transfers authority to establish amounts of oysters, clams, and mussels for relaying or transplanting from the Department of Agriculture to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Removes provisions regarding shellfish harvesting seasons, dredging of dead shells, oyster culture, and changes the Department's authority to designate areas for taking oysters and clams to be planted from mandatory to discretionary; effective July 1, 2016.